BWW Interviews: Orlando Native & Broadway Veteran, Davis Gaines

One of the most anticipated local shows this fall season is Orlando Shakespeare's LES MISERABLES. Following last year's massive production of THE LIFE AND ADVENTURES OF NICHOLAS NICKLEBY, Orlando Shakes wanted to top itself. You may even recognize a set element from last year.

It is one thing to bring a musical of this proportion to the stage; it's another to commit to quality casting. One star of LES MIS is Broadway veteran Davis Gaines. Davis plays the antagonist, Inspector Javert, who becomes obsessed with capturing Jean Valjean. Taking a break between dress rehearsals, Davis took the time to answer some of BroadwayWorld's questions.

BWW: Hi Davis, Welcome back to Orlando! I know that you performed here in May as part of a cabaret series, but tell us a little bit more about your history with Orlando.

Yes, in May I brought a new cabaret show "Double Standards" to The Abbey in downtown Orlando. It's a great venue and we had terrific audiences.

I'm also excited about taking that show to my alma mater, Florida State University, soon after "Les Miserables" closes on October 31 and November 1.

I was born and raised in Orlando. All of my immediate family, and most of my extended family still live here. It was a great place to grow up.

I'm staying with my parents, in the house where I grew up, while I'm here doing "Les Miserables". It's on a beautiful lake, and so close to the theater that I can walk to work!

I wanted to be an actor from my earliest recollection and had some great training and mentors here. Early on, I joined a children's theatre group, The Peter Pan Playhouse, which was run by a talented man named Johnny Mayo and then had an amazing drama teacher, Ann Derflinger, in Junior High School and my first year of High School that had a huge impact on my life and my decision to become an actor.

BWW: Your resume is quite extensive. You've played everything from The Phantom of the Opera to guest starring on Desperate Housewives. Is this your first time in LES MISERABLES? How different is Javert from the other characters that you've played?

Yes, it's my first "Les Miserables" production. I'm not quite sure why, but I never had the opportunity to audition for it all the while it ran on Broadway, but I'm so glad I finally had the chance to catch up with it in this Orlando Shakespeare Theater production.

Every character is different. That's what so fun about being an actor. I do enjoy playing characters with depth and a darker side, but equally enjoy digging into a broad comedic role, as well.

BWW: What are some challenges with playing such a dark character?

I wouldn't call it a challenge as much as an opportunity. I think a darker character sometimes gives the actor many more juicy and interesting choices to bring to the table.

BWW: Do you find Javert to be the villain or just another victim of circumstance?

Javert does what he believes is right. He serves God and the Law. He's views the world as black or white, but when his world hits the gray area it shakes the foundation of what he's always believed is right and he begins to unravel and spin out of control.

BWW: You are starring in Orlando Shakespeare's first musical production in quite some time. What has the rehearsal process been like? Have you ever worked in a space like the Margeson Theater where, in some instances, part of the audience may be behind you?

The rehearsal process has been wonderful. Our director, DJ Salisbury, is so very smart, with such a great visual sense, but at the same time is a true "actor's director". He gets it on every level and brings such a calming, supportive atmosphere to the process. It's been very inspiring to be a part of this production.

I have worked on a thrust stage as well as 'in the round' before. I love the intimacy it affords both the actors and the audience. The audience literally becomes part of the scenes and the action.

BWW: What is it like working with this cast?

Across the board, this is one of the most talented casts I've had the pleasure of working with. Great actors, Glorious voices.

BWW: What did you do in preparation for this role? Do you have anyone in particular that inspires you in this role?

As with every new role, I basically start from scratch, trying to figure out who the character is, what makes him tick, his back story, his motivations, even his sense of humor. Basically layering all of that as I go, in order to make him as rich and fleshed out as possible.

I try not to be influenced by others who have played a role before. It's important that I try to make it my own unique interpretation.

BWW: Who do you recommend comes to see Orlando Shakes' LES MISERABLES? For example, do you think it's a good starter musical for people who have never seen live theater?

Yes, I do. It really has it all. Great story. Powerful acting. Beautiful music. Romance. Action.

BWW: Speaking of "starter musicals" the original LES MISERABLES opened in London in 1983, since then it has been revived countless times, translated into dozens of languages, and of course made into a movie. Why do you think this piece continues to stick around?

For all of the reasons I mentioned before, plus it's so full of heart and emotion that one can't help but be swept up in and moved by it.

BWW: To put you on the spot, please answer one of the age old questions: Phantom or Les Mis?

I'm probably just a little partial, but Phantom.

BWW: What are some other characters to play that are on your theater bucket list?

I've been very lucky to have had the chance to play such a wide variety of characters over my career. I don't really have any specific roles on my "bucket list", but I would definitely love to work on Broadway again, and hopefully have the opportunity to create a role in a new show someday.

Since you're basically a local let's hear about some of your favorite quick hits around Orlando.

Since I live in Los Angeles, I'm not really a local, but I certainly try to grab any opportunity to return to visit my family as often as I can. This two month stay with "Les Miserables" is the longest I've been here at one time since I left for college.

Favorite local restaurant:

I always like to visit Hillstone in Winter Park, when I'm in town.

Favorite post-show hang out location:

Getting the show up and running has been all consuming, so we really haven't had the opportunity to do that yet, but I'm sure we'll find somewhere soon!

Favorite local bar:

There's a great little neighborhood bar near the theater called The Peacock Room that some of the cast frequented during rehearsals.

Favorite theme park:

I suppose I'm partial to Walt Disney World. I worked there during high school as a Disney character.

Favorite beach:

My parents have a beautiful condo in Ormond-by-the-Sea where I will definitely be spending some relaxing days off during our run.

Gators, Seminoles, or Knights?

Seminoles all the way. Go 'Noles!

Thank you for taking the time to answer my questions. I cannot wait to see the show!

Catch Davis as Inspector Javert in Orlando Shakespeare's LES MISERABLES now until October 12. For tickets and more information visit www.orlandoshakes.org. To learn more about Davis and his upcoming appearances visit www.davisgaines.com.

Headshot courtesy of Davis Gaines